Telecel Ghana has announced the 2026 cohort of its Female Engineering Students Scholarship Programme (FESSP). Ten outstanding final-year female students from four major Ghanaian universities were selected for this early career development initiative. The programme aims to increase female representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
The selected scholars come from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Ghana (UG), the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT). Their selection followed a competitive process. This process evaluated academic excellence, leadership potential, and industry readiness.
Each scholar receives financial support for their final-year tuition. They also get a new laptop, data bundle, and professional mentorship. The programme further offers internship and national service opportunities. Outstanding participants may also be considered for Telecel Ghana's NextGen Graduate Programme and future employment.
This initiative directly addresses Ghana's broader economic goal of diversifying its workforce and fostering innovation. Increasing female participation in STEM is crucial for a robust and competitive digital economy. Ghana's technology sector requires a skilled and diverse talent pool to drive future growth and development.
Rachael Appenteng, Telecel Ghana's Human Resources Director, described FESSP as the company's flagship talent development programme. She stated it creates opportunities for young women in engineering and technology. Ms. Appenteng added that the programme equips them to lead innovation and strengthen Ghana’s technology ecosystem. She emphasized that FESSP reflects Telecel's belief that nurtured talent transforms organizations and societies.
Launched in 2011, FESSP is one of Ghana's longest-running talent development initiatives. It is specifically dedicated to developing female STEM talent. The programme has supported more than 100 young women since its inception. Many of these alumnae now hold successful careers within Telecel Ghana and across the engineering and technology sectors.
Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, Telecel Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, encouraged the scholars to approach the opportunity with curiosity and confidence. She highlighted that FESSP is more than a scholarship. It represents an investment in Ghana’s future by empowering young women in STEM. This empowerment builds innovators and leaders who will drive the country’s progress.
Alumna Clara Acquah, who joined FESSP in 2019, advised scholars to embrace engineering's versatility. She noted that engineering equips individuals with transferable skills. Another alumna, Sena Foli-Mensah, a Telecel NextGen Graduate Executive, shared her positive experience. She described FESSP as a real door of opportunity.
The programme's impact extends to parents, with Anthony, whose daughter is in this year’s cohort, expressing gratitude. He stated FESSP has strengthened their faith in STEM and their children's future. New scholar Nana Ama Ampofowaa Antwi acknowledged the competitiveness and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. She looks forward to growing her skills in STEM.
Telecel's FESSP strengthens Ghana’s technology ecosystem with each new cohort. It prepares engineers and scientists who will drive innovation and expand opportunities. The programme also inspires others to pursue careers in STEM. Telecel Ghana remains committed to scaling this impact, ensuring more young women confidently enter the future of science and engineering.